Investigators seeking search warrants connected with 3 people of interest in Kimball Castle fire

Investigators are looking into three individuals in relation to last month’s fire at Kimball Castle in Gilford, with Gilford Police Deputy Chief Dustin Parent saying the state Fire Marshal’s Office received a tip from the public with information pertinent to the case.

“Their office, in collaboration with GPD, are looking into three people of interest at this time,” Parent wrote in an email on Wednesday morning. “The investigation is at a point where search warrants are being applied for, for various electronic devices.”

Parent wanted to make clear these are not arrest warrants. He said in a phone interview on Wednesday the search warrants for the devices will hopefully further the investigation.

The Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation into the fire that burned the Gilford landmark and two acres surrounding it on Aug. 27. Gilford police are assisting with the investigation, and receiving regular reports from the Fire Marshal’s Office.

Kimball Castle, at 59 Lockes Hill Road, is on the National Register of Historic Places, and was known in the Gilford community for medieval-style architecture and interesting history. It was built in 1894 by an architect hired by Benjamin Ames Kimball, who was a state representative and owner of the Concord and Montreal Railroad, among other titles.

The fire broke out in the early morning hours of Aug. 27, and investigators found it suspicious, as the building had no electricity and was vacant. Firefighters, responding at 3:47 a.m., discovered flames pouring out the windows of the stone structure.

Fire made its way into the brush behind the castle and continued through the wooded area toward Lake Shore Road. Firefighters were still putting out hot spots at both the castle and the woods encroaching on the road at 10 a.m., and investigators remained on the scene throughout the day.

Gilford Deputy Fire Chief Brad Ober said that morning it appeared an ember from the Kimball Castle fire sparked a brush fire. A portion of Lake Shore Road near the Lockes Hill trailhead was closed to traffic for several hours. Charred areas leading up to the roadway could be seen, and firefighters were a couple hundred feet away in the woods still extinguishing small fires.

Investigators reported the fire left the castle in disrepair and was ordered to be taken down due to the extent of the damage.

“Unfortunately, the building is a complete loss,” Gilford Fire Chief Stephen Carrier stated according to a press release. “The floors, ceiling, and roof were completely consumed and collapsed. The remaining structure is unsafe and creates a significant safety hazard. It is sad to see this happen to a building with such historical significance.”

The fire did not spread to any other nearby structures or neighboring homes.

The Gilford Police Department put out a call to the public asking for any surveillance footage or information that would help the investigation. However, Parent said the tip received was sent directly to the Fire Marshal’s Office.

Parent said he recognizes the importance of Kimball Castle to the community, and will release more information as it becomes available.